10 March 2015

As part of her efforts to mark International Women’s Day, the First Minister met representatives from two third sector organisations, Roshni and DARF, and heard from them about the experiences of girls who have been forced to endure genital mutilation.

The First Minister also announced £220,000 of funding for organisations which work with those communities.

Ms Sturgeon: “Until we end violence against women, we cannot have true gender equality, either here in Scotland, or overseas.”

#HeartNews @ScotGovFM @NicolaSturgeon announces £220k to tackle FGM in Scotland. http://t.co/mzc0igtfkf pic.twitter.com/F0q8pACNIH

— Heart Scotland News (@HeartScotNews) March 9, 2015

Female Genital Mutilation is a horrific violation of human rights – it  can affect the health and wellbeing of young girls for the rest of their lives.  Roshni and DARF reinforced the need for continuing action, to ensure we support people in communities who are potentially affected by the practice.

Later that day, at an event arranged by Glasgow City Council and UNICEF, the First Minister spoke about the Scottish Government’s work to tackle violence against women here in Scotland; and also about some of the international aid work we are doing to promote women’s rights around the world.

FM @NicolaSturgeon, Glasgow City Council & @UNICEF_uk sign declarations pledging to end violence against women pic.twitter.com/fqNWF1Y2kv

— First Minister (@ScotGovFM) March 9, 2015

The First Minister signed a declaration on behalf of the Scottish Government, making it clear that we will do everything in our power to prevent female genital mutilation, and also child and early forced marriage.